Hat-block clamp



' Aug. 1 1927.

1,639,331 H. DIAMOND: v HAT BLOCK CLAMP Filed April 10, 1924 Patented Aug. 16, 1927.

UNITED STATES 1,539,331 PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY DIAMOND, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

HAT-BLOCK CLAMP.

Application filed April 10, 1924. Serial 110.. 705,511.

This invention relates generally to implements used'in the blocking of hats, having more particular reference to a device whereby the hat blank may be secured on the forming block, the invention having for an object the provision of a novel and simple form of expanding clamp which is adapted to grip the hat blank against the inner face of the forming block.

For furthercomprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawing, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

Fig. 1 of drawings is a plan view showing one form of my improved clamp.

Figs. 2 and 3 are sectional views taken respectively on the line 22 and 33 of Fig. 1. v

Fig. 4: is a fragmentary plan view showing a modified construction.

Referring now to the'embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, my improved clamp comprises a re silient strap 10 which may be made of brass, and which is bent to generally oval form with the two ends overlapping each other as shown, one end being turned backward to form a hook 11 which engages the lugs 12 turned inward from the sides of the other end, these lugs 12 clasping the first named end of the strap, the hook 11 serving to prevent disengagement of the two ends from one another.

The clamp is adapted to be expanded by means of a spring element in the form of a comparatively heavy steel wire or rod which is formed intermediate its ends into a loop or eye 15 which is secured by the band 16 to the inner face of the strap 15 midway between the ends of the latter. From the loop 15 the wire extends in two reaches 15 which are attached at their ends to the strap 10 a short distance from the respective ends of the latter, the resiliency of the eye or loop 15 tending to urge these two reaches away from one another and so expand the clamp.

In order to cause the clamp to better grip the hat blank it is formed with a number of projecting spikes 17 spaced along the strap and which may be conveniently formed by striking tongues outward from the strap. To accommodate the spikes on entered thereinto from the end for a suitable distance.

WVhen the clamp is to be applied the two elements 15 are pressed toward one another to contract the clamp, which is then inserted in place and allowed to expand and clamp the hat blank on the block.

The construction shown in Fig. 4 differs from that shown in Fig. 1 in that the two ends of the strap 10 do not overlap, but are overlapped by an intermediate strap element 20 formed with lugs 12 which freely clasp the sides of the strap ends, the strap ends are formed with back turned hooks 11 whereby disengagement of the in term-ediate' strap element 20 therefrom is prevented, Connected at one end to each end of the intermediate strap 20, and at opposite ends to respective ones of the rods 15, are the tensions springs 22 which act. to hold the said strap element 20 centrally positioned with respect to the two ends of the main strap 10.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows 1. In a device of the class described, having a curved band with overlapping engaging ends, the combination of a heavy steel wire formed intermediate of its ends with a loop, the ends of said heavy steel wire be ing attached to the said curved band at a short distance from the ends thereof, the said loop abutting the inner face of said curved band, and means for securing said loop to the adjacent portion of said curved band.

2. In a device of the class described, having a curved band with overlapping engaging ends, the combination of a heavy steel wire formed intermediate of its ends with a loop, the ends of said heavy steel wire being attached to the said curved band at a short distance from the ends thereof, the said loop abutting the inner face of said curved band, and means for securing said loop to the adjacent portion of said curved band. said means consisting of a strap fastened around said loop and band.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my signature.

HENRY DIAMOND. 

